Freeman Wills Crofts

“ We shall have to retain counsel, perhaps two or even three men, and their fees are not negligible. Then, as you can imagine”—Mr. Clifford gave a wintry little smile—“we also have to live, or at all events we think so. There will unquestionably be expense in hunting up witnesses, a private detective may have to be employed, in short, the defence of a big case means heavy outlay. Now, can your friend meet this? What are his circumstances financially?”
“I think he is all right,” answered Martin, “but, in any case, the money will be my affair. Felix may pay what he can. ”

“ What would you advise?”
“Clifford.”
“Eh? What? I don’t follow.”
“Employ Clifford, of Clifford and Lewisham. He’s a dry stick, but as clever as they’re made, and a good sort. He’s your man.”
“I don’t know him. Do you think he would take up the case?”
“Sure. Fact is, I went around to ask him how I could get an order to see you—I know him pretty well—and I pumped him. The firm would take it on if they were asked, but that means himself, and you couldn’t have a better man.”
“Martin, you put new life into me! God bless you for all you’re doing! Will you arrange it with him? ”

“ The doctor did not know. For a man of his age and standing he was singularly ignorant of legal matters. But when such came his way he invariably adopted the same simple expedient. He “saw Clifford.” This difficulty he would meet in the same way. He would “see Clifford.”
“Clifford”—otherwise John Wakefield Clifford, senior partner of Messrs. Clifford and Lewisham, Solicitors, Grey’s Inn—was Martin’s man of business, friend, and crony. ”